I don't think it's a big secret that the Bengals are... struggling this season. They come into this match up with an 0-4 record (0-2 in conference). They have lost to North Dakota (14-35), Nevada (10-49), Sac State (21-23), and Northern Arizona (17-48). As with any opponent, can't take the foot off the gas pedal though. ISU is gonna be looking for that first win of the season and the longer it goes, the hungrier they will be for it.

The big question mark for both teams is health status of QBs. Dan alluded that Hunter would be available this week and while he dressed, he obviously didn't see the field. The Bengals starting QB Tyler Vander Waal went out of the game against Sac State and didn't play against NAU. Their coach was on record of saying that "he probably could've played but he couldn't have taken a hit." Vander Waal has played in 3 games and has completed 32/69 for 375 yards with 2 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. He has added 34 rushing yards on 15 attempts His replacement Hunter Hays has completed 34/62 for 350 yards with 2 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. He has rushed for 81 yards on 23 attempts.

The Bengals also have some injury question marks in their running back corps. Their 2 main backs of Malakai Rango and Raiden Hunter didn't see the field against NAU. On the season, Rango has rushed for 178 yards on 42 attempts with 1 touchdown. Rango has additionally added 44 receiving yards on 5 catches. Hunter Raiden has rushed for 82 yards on 25 attempts.

Idaho State has 3 main targets in the receiving game, WRs Shane Dailey Jr, Xavier Guillory, and Tanner Conner. Dailey Jr has 124 yards on 14 catches, Guillory has 157 yards on 13 catches, and Conner has 189 yards and 2 touchdowns on 12 catches.

On defense, the Bengals are led by LB Connor Wills who has 42 tackles (24 solo), 3 TFLs, and a forced fumble. LB Darian Green has 29 tackles (9 solo) and 2.5 TFLs. The team has not forced an interception this season so far and are a -6 in the turnover margin.

Scott Marsh and Bob Dunning couldn't believe it either. I think the only human being on planet earth who thought it was the right call was Petrino.

Oh my. I took a peek at the Idaho forum and according to them the team is pretty close to mutiny on Petrino. Players commenting on how he never takes responsibility and players' parents voicing that they are done with his bs. FCS schools don't typically fire head coaches mid season, but I wouldn't be surprised if he gets bought out at the end of the season.

Well some of my observations

Offense:
- Miles played... just okay. It was his first start and against a team that isn't bad by any means. He was sailing some balls which you can't do at this level. They absolutely will get picked. He had 1 and had a couple more that were close.
- My belief in Trent Tompkins was absolutely confirmed. He was the turning factor in this game. The defense became so hyper focused on him it allowed his easy TD pass and then Carson's pass to Castles (which was an astounding catch btw). He is just too good to leave off the field and I wish we would have used him more against Weber.
- Offensive line had it's hands full today with Idaho's front 7.

Defense:
- Bend don't break mentality. They gave up yards, but they came up with critical 4th down stops and turnovers when it mattered most. They had a tough time with the run today. Gave up the long TD on the first drive of the game and Cummings was averaging over 8 per rush.
- Switching to the blitz really seemed to throw Beaudry for a loop in the 2nd half.
- The streak of keeping opponents scoreless in the 4th quarter stays alive.

Special Teams:
- Whelan is a beast as always
- Good bounce back game for Gomez. Hit all of his kicks.
- Blocking kicks is always a good thing and we got 2 of them.

Idaho:
- As a whole, they put out a better product than I was expecting. Beaudry wasn't terrible although I wouldn't say fantastic by any means. They have a stud in that Cummings guy. Runs extremely hard and is tough to bring down.
- Petrino is a moron and I feel bad that Idaho fans have had to deal with this guy for so long. Going for a FG on 4th and short when you're down by 7 and basically out of timeouts... what's your plan there even if you make the kick? Bonehead coaching.

I'll give Idaho credit. They were tough. Had us stumped in the first half.

Devon King!

Oh my god!

C'mon defense

Well... In reference to one of my earlier posts... There was a dramatic change

TOOOOOOOUCHDOOOOOWN

TT is the man

Wow... Bad call on the review but the defense holds!

Trent Tompkins... It's that easy

We've been pounding our heads that he needs to be in. This is what he does.

Trent. Tompkins.

Maybe put TT in

Just bad

At we got the stop... It was ugly though

Defense falling apart

Disaster